7 defining Test innings by Indian batsmen that were not centuries
India is often known as a batting country and the fans love watching their stars (batsmen) getting hundreds and celebrating the milestone (or landmark). But we often tend to notice batsmen who get to particular landmarks (especially a 100) and neglect the importance of other batsmen who made vital contributions (which were not hundreds).
However, there have been instances where there have been some defining and match-changing innings which were not centuries. Hence, here we look at 7 defining innings by Indian batsmen in Test cricket that were not centuries.
#5 Virender Sehwag – 83 vs England (Chennai, 2008)
The Chennai Test against England in December 2008 was a historic one and it is remembered for various reasons. The 7-match ODI series was cut-short as after completing 5 games, the England team went back home after the 26/11 attacks. However, they braved it out and came back to India to complete their tour (played 2 Test matches).
That Test match is also remembered for India’s chase of 387 in the fourth innings. Sachin Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 103 to guide India home but there was one knock that set-up the chase and that was the innings of Virender Sehwag.
India were behind for the most part of the game. After bowling England for 316 in the first innings, India failed with the bat and could score only 241. England then set India a target of 387 with about four sessions left in the game.
After scoring only nine in the first innings, Sehwag helped India get off to a flier. The way the Delhi opener took the attack to the English bowlers was brilliant. His counter-attack put the visitors under pressure.
Sehwag didn’t allow any bowler to settle and kept the foot on the peddle as he made 83 in just 68 balls. And by the time he got out India’s score was already 117 in 23 overs.
His 83 provided India the perfect platform as riding on Tendulkar’s 103 and Yuvraj Singh’s 85 helped India complete a record run-chase and go 1-0 up in the series.